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"AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program" is currently closed and not accepting applications.
AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program is sponsored by EDA - U.S. Economic Development Administration. Invests in industry-driven partnerships to upskill workers in AI technologies, enhancing business outcomes and regional economic growth.
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The United States is in a race to achieve dominance in artificial intelligence (AI). America’s AI Action Plan sets out clear policy goals and actions the Federal government will take to win this race. This includes empowering American workers to take advantage of AI.
To assist this goal, EDA is investing approximately $25 million for a national competition to support industry-driven partnerships to upskill workers in AI technologies, helping train workers to support growth in industries that are integral to regional economies.
The AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program will support eligible entities in the design and implementation of workforce training to provide in-demand AI skills that are critical to enhancing business outcomes. EDA encourages applications from eligible entities seeking to implement industry-led workforce programs that use sectoral partnerships to deliver measurable results for American workers and businesses.
All projects must deliver training in AI skills, provide support to program participants that leads to training completion and access to jobs, and monitor program outcomes. Funds may be used to support system development and/or program design but must include training implementation.
Through this funding, EDA anticipates making 5-8 awards for non-construction projects ranging from $1 million to $8 million, with project durations ranging from 24 months to 36 months. Training must begin no later than one year from award date. The maximum allowable investment rate for projects funded under this initiative is 60%.
To be eligible to participate in this competition, all applicants must demonstrate that they meet EDA’s Special Need criteria. Review the AI Upskill Addendum found on page 42 of the PWEAA NOFO (PDF) for more details. Apply for the AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program ## Authorization and Appropriations The Thomas R.
Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (Public Law 118–272) authorizes EDA to make grants to support the development and expansion of innovative workforce training programs through sectoral partnerships leading to high-paying skilled jobs. See 42 U.S.C. § 3154e.
EDA is further authorized to make such awards under its Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) authority (42 U.S.C. § 3149). Through this Addendum, EDA is making approximately $25 million available for this purpose.
Sectoral partnerships must be led by an eligible Lead Entity. EDA intends to make these funds available through its EAA program using the existing procedures specified in the FY 23/24/25 PWEAA NOFO, which was most recently updated in 2025.
* AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (PDF) * Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) * One Page Program Summary (PDF) * Optional Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan Template (XLSX) * EDA launches innovative AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program (Blog) * U.S. Department of Commerce Announces $25 Million Notice of Funding Opportunity to Upskill American Workers in Using Artificial Intelligence (Press Release) * **Webinars (all webinars are at 12:00pm ET)** * _EDA AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program – NOFO Overview_ (May 19, 2026) (Slide presentation PDF) * _EDA AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program – Developing Your Concept_ (June 4, 2026) (Slide presentation PDF) * _EDA AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program – Submitting Your Application and Budget Best Practices_ (June 11, 2026) (Slide presentation PDF) * _EDA AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program – Data, Impact & Evaluation_ (June 23, 2026) (Slide presentation PDF) * Please send email inquiries about the AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program to [[email protected]](https://www.
eda. gov/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6e21272b2e0b0a0f40090118).
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities capable of implementing workforce training programs. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The published deadline was July 10, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program is funded by EDA - U.S. Economic Development Administration. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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